swing 1 of 2

1
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction thinking that we were being followed, we abruptly swung to the left at the next intersection swing right at James St.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something) at the sound of gunfire, the cavalry officer swung his horse around and galloped rapidly back to the fort

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis he swung the bat as hard as he could but he missed the ball don't let the wind swing that gate shut

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5
as in to hang
to place on an elevated point without support from below beach towels swung up to dry on the lifeguard's high chair

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

swing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swing are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When might fluctuate be a better fit than swing?

Although the words fluctuate and swing have much in common, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use oscillate instead of swing?

The words oscillate and swing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When could sway be used to replace swing?

While in some cases nearly identical to swing, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can undulate be used instead of swing?

In some situations, the words undulate and swing are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Where would vibrate be a reasonable alternative to swing?

The meanings of vibrate and swing largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

In what contexts can waver take the place of swing?

While the synonyms waver and swing are close in meaning, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of swing
Verb
Bring potted hibiscus inside if the weather forecast calls for a significant temperature swing and chilly weather. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025 For a bigger swing, consider a small play on PSG to score more than 2.5 goals in 90 minutes at 2-to-1 odds. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Noun
Brunello Cucinelli also swung lower after starting the session in the green. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 11 July 2025 Once we get hit 3-2-1-zero, the unit swings and lets off steam upon observers below. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for swing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing
Verb
  • Instead, the Olympian’s attention deviated to the officer’s appearance.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • That’s not dissimilar from what happened in the TikTok case, where the justices — including the liberals — deviated from free-speech norms because they were panicked by concerns about China.
    Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • In the multicam comedy, per the logline, Leanne’s (Morgan) world is turned upside down when her husband of 33 years unexpectedly leaves her for another woman.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Even a congressional candidate has alleged that humans manipulated the weather behind the Fourth of July weekend floods in Texas, which left at least 120 people dead and more than 170 still missing.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
  • Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to run malicious code or access other parts of your system by manipulating memory.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • In addition to the usual fitness center, there are yoga and meditation rooms, and complimentary stretching, yoga, and meditation classes are held on a rotating schedule throughout the week.
    Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
  • That’s proven to be a fruitful investment for the Yankees, who have primarily rotated Bellinger in the three outfield spots but use him intermittently at first base, too.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • But with so much uncertainty hanging over consumer brands and over consumer spending right now, Prime Day 2025 feels like the most unpredictable Prime Day ever.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • Sal Frelick hammered a hanging curveball for a leadoff double.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • None of these patients received the same protection from self-harm afforded other Coloradans.
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
  • This is not a retirement paradise that everyone can afford, however.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Our permit reform efforts are bolstered by a growing political and policy movement known as abundance, described in a recent book by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.
    Scott Peters, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • Hardiman wants young people to have a better understanding of how violence affects the community and become leaders in this peace movement.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In my experience, navigating this shift and the possible scenarios for your business is important for success in SaaS markets.
    Mindaugas Čaplinskas, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • This shift to more English-only services comes months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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